Jammu and Kashmir welcomes first batch of Hajj pilgrims home

SRINAGAR — As the annual Hajj pilgrimage concluded earlier this week, the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir landed at Srinagar International Airport on Saturday evening.

The first batch of 320 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned from the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, officials said.

Executive Officer J&K Haj Committee, Dr Shujahat Qureshi told the news agency KNO that the first batch of 320 Hajj pilgrims returned today and were received at the Srinagar International Airport by J&K Hajj Committee members, Airport authorities and senior officials from police and civil administration.

“One flight was scheduled today, in which 320 pilgrims—166 males and 156 females—returned and landed here at around 9:15 pm,” a senior Airport official said.

Dr Qureshi said that upon arrival of pilgrims at Srinagar International Airport and after necessary formalities including immigration, the Hajjis will go directly to their homes with their relatives. “Vehicle passes have already been issued online for those intending to receive the pilgrims. Immigration staff too has been deployed by J&K Police, staff of J&K Hajj Committee will also be present,” he added.

According to the officials, this year, over 7000 pilgrims from the region undertook the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Madina. Of these, approximately 6800 pilgrims departed through the Srinagar embarkation point, while over 500 pilgrims travelled from other airports.

J&K Hajj Committee has already issued the return flight schedule up to June 29 with two flights scheduled for June 23 at 11:50 am and 4:25 pm.